major religions before 1200

Buddism

A spiritual tradition originating in India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) around the 5th century BCE. Buddhism emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and the understanding of the Four Noble Truths.

Four noble truths

The core principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering, its cause, the possibility of cessation, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering.

theravada buddism

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes individual enlightenment and the original teachings of the Buddha, primarily practiced in Southeast Asia.

mahayana buddism

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of the bodhisattva path, promoting the idea that enlightenment can be attained for all beings, and is widely practiced in East Asia.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation through faith, love, and the grace of God.

Jesus of Nazareth

A central figure in Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the awaited Messiah, whose teachings and life are documented in the New Testament.

Confusism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice, significantly influencing Chinese culture and society.

5 fundamental relations

The five key relationships in Confucianism that guide moral conduct and social harmony, including ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and rituals, including concepts of dharma, karma, and moksha.

Brahma

The creator god in Hinduism, part of the Trimurti, which includes Vishnu and Shiva. _____ is associated with the creation of the universe and all living beings.

Vishnu

The two other principal deities in Hinduism, forming the Trimurti alongside Brahma. ____ is the preserver and protector of the universe who incarnates in various forms to restore cosmic order.

Shiva

A major Hindu deity known as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti, representing the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.

moksha

The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) in Hinduism, achieved through spiritual knowledge and realization of one's unity with Brahman.

Islam

A monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah and following the Five Pillars.

5 pillars of Islam

The five basic acts of worship and practice that are considered the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice, including the declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sunni and Shia

The two main branches of Islam, with ____ Muslims following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as interpreted by his companions, while ___ Muslims believe leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's family, specifically with Ali, his cousin and son-in-law.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion originating from the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the covenant between God and the Israelites, with practices centered around the Torah and ethical living.